How long does roofing felt last

Reply to Andrew Gabriel. As others have said, materials and workmanship play a major role in lifetime. I've read that sunlight can be a major factor in the breakdown of the material, hence some people cover the felt with a layer of light gravel. My old man always questioned such a move. He said that on a hot day if you had to walk on the surface all it would do is push the gravel into the melted surface layer which might puncture it.

I've had a neighbour tell me he moved in to his house and promptly swept his flat roof clean of the gravel! The roofers I used last year gave either a 15 or 20 year guarantee of their work.

And they've been in the business for a few decades so I kind of believe that their indication is accurate. The key to ensuring that the underlayment lasts longer is regular inspections.

Roofing experts recommend that you inspect the underlayment every three to five years and carry out any corrective repairs. In best weather conditions, concrete tiles last for at least 50 years. They are also the least expensive. On the other hand, slate tile roofs last between 75 years and years if you maintain them well.

If you go for a clay roof, they will last between 50 years and years. Most contractors charge per square foot, such as square feet. A complex roof may also cost more to replace its underlayment.

Inspection costs just a fraction of the cost. Glazing Systems. Flat Roof Windows. Other Flat Roof Windows. Roof Lanterns. Roof Domes. Bitumen Roof Sheets. Metal Roof Sheets. Pipe Flashing. Polycarbonate Roof Sheets. Fibre Cement Roof Sheets. PVC Roof Sheets. Insulation Board. Multifoil Insulation. Loft Roll. Insulation Slab.

Natural Insulation. Guttering by Material. Guttering by Brand. Lead Tools. Hand Tools. Roofing Nails. See all. Roofing felt keeps flat roofs watertight and has been used for over one hundred years. There are three types of roofing felt to consider for a roofing project; torch-on felt, self-adhesive felt and shed felt. Torch-on felt sees three layers of bitumen felt melt-welded onto the roof with a blow torch, creating a waterproof seal. Traditionally, these layers are made up of a vapour control sheet, reinforced felt and a cap sheet with a mineral finish.

However, for sheds and garages, only two may be required. While this is one of the most reliable flat roofing solutions, it can be dangerous. This is cheaper than alternative flat roof coverings such as fibreglass. The lifespan of a torch-on felt roof is in the region of years.

It allows the roof covering to be laid without the need for naked flames. Once the release film is peeled off the bottom, the roof felt will self-bond to the substrate. This makes it ideal covering for small projects such as domestic flat roofs, garages and porches. Shed felt is a roofing felt option suitable for sheds and garden buildings. These days roofing felt is largely made of modified bitumen mixed with either fibreglass or polyester.

The combination of this and modified bitumen means felt roofing is tough, reliable and has a good lifespan. While polyester and modified bitumen form a sturdy roof, it requires a final layer to protect it from the elements. Extreme cold can have a negative impact on felt roofing , but sunlight is the main enemy. It dries out the oils in the system making it brittle and can cause heat expansion movement too.

This is often treated with a masonry sealant to waterproof the brickwork, such as, Cromar Exterior Water Seal. A common cause of leaks on tiled and slate roof is from the verges: Until recently the verges on tile and slate roofs were filled with mortar which cracked over time leading to leaks - indeed this used to be the leading source of warranty claims on new properties submitted to the NHBC.

The Building Regulations were amended in with the addition of BS Dry Fixed Ridge, Hip And Verge Systems to require all new properties, and re-roofing and repairs of existing properties, to be constructed with plastic dry verges, which are mechanically fixed to the roof and will stay waterproof for the life of the roof. Our dry verge systems can be found on our website. Is your roof in need of replacing?

About Roofing Supplies stock and supply a wide range of roofing materials including roofing slate, GRP and felt flat roofing products, concrete roof tiles and clay roof tiles. Our roof tiles are not only hard wearing and versatile but are offered at affordable prices.

To discuss pricing and the availability of roofing materials, please call us on or email us here. You can view and order roofing materials, including flat roofing materials, Cure It GRP roofing range products, natural roofing sates, clay roof tiles in any of our branches listed below or we can deliver nationwide:.

Dorking, Surrey branch. Redhill, Surrey branch. Esher, Surrey branch. East Grinstead, West Sussex branch. Posted in Roofing Guides. Different factors will determine when your roof needs replacing Roof replacement varies according to a number of factors such as the age and condition of roofing materials used on the roof, the exposure of the roof to the weather and the construction of the roof.

When to replace a felt flat roof Flat roofs were, until the s, usually constructed from roofing felt - either torch on roofing felt, or pour and roll roofing felt usually nailed down onto the roof. Order GRP Roofing Materials Here Temporary repairs to flat roofs We supply a range of products which can be painted onto flat roofs to extend their lifespan.

When to replace a pitched roof Pitched roofs can be constructed from a wide variety of materials such as clay roof tiles, concrete roof tiles or roofing slates.

When to replace a clay tile roof Modern clay roof tiles are typically supplied with a 30 year manufacturers guarantee, however in many instances clay roof tiles are in usable condition after years, and we have seen examples of clay roof tiles that are in excess of years old and still have many years life left in them!